US Gun Lobby On The Defensive As UN Arms Trade Treaty Negotiations Approach

United Nations (TRNS) – Members of the American gun lobby, led by the National Riffle Association, were quick to celebrate last summer when the United States unexpectedly withdrew from negotiations at the U.N. Arms Trade Treaty conference.

Despite weeks of talks with U.N. countries, the Obama administration decided to leave the conference in late July 2012, as the American gun lobby’s campaign against the Arms Trade Treaty intensified. Just a few days before the White House’s withdrawal, 51 Senators endorsed a letter citing NRA concerns the treaty somehow threatened the Second Amendment.

Supporters of the ATT denounced the administration’s decision as a transparent political maneuver ahead of the election and criticized the gun lobby for promoting false allegations about the treaty’s impact on American gun laws.

Gun groups and lobbyists meanwhile welcomed the turn of events as proof of their far-reaching power and ability to mobilize effective campaigns.